The Don Englebreston Collection
Ground Crew Break Near 'Spads' Ordnance Loading Area, Vietnam War Era
Ground crew and aircrew take a break near a doorway marked 'Spads' -- the affectionate Vietnam-era nickname for the A-1 Skyraider, referencing the WWI-vintage French SPAD fighter given the aircraft's propeller-driven design in the jet age. Ordnance loading teams like these worked around the clock to keep Skyraiders armed and ready for close air support and rescue-escort missions throughout the war. Project: 219097